Serious Shortage Protocols ( SSP's )
In February 2019, the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 were amended to introduce Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs).
Further changes will come into operation on 31 October 2019 in The Pharmaceutical Services (Amendments Relating to Serious Shortage Protocols) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019.
An SSP enables community pharmacists to supply a specified medicine in accordance with a protocol rather than a prescription and without the need to seek authorisation from the prescriber. An SSP would only be used in the case of a serious shortage if it is considered that it would help manage the supply situation.
Further information on SSPs will be made available on this page.
Last updated: 19th May 2021
Serious Shortage Protocol Guidance
Serious Shortage Protocol Archive
Letter from Cathy Harrison (CPO) - Ending of SSP - Fluoxetine 40mg capsules May 2021